Photodegradation of organic dyes by Bi2WO6 coated cotton fabric modified with poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) under visible light irradiation

In this study, a visible-light-driven photocatalyst Bi2WO6 was assembled on fibers by linking of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) at room temperature. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Acid orange 7 (AO7) under visible light irradiation. Effects of concentration of PDDA in the pretreatment solution on degradation efficiency of RhB and AO7 in the presence of Bi2WO6 coated cotton fabrics were investigated. In addition, washing durability and breaking strength of Bi2WO6 coated cotton fabrics modified with PDDA were examined. The results revealed that Bi2WO6 with irregular shape were successfully coated on the cotton fabric modified with PDDA. Bi2WO6 coated cotton fabric modified with PDDA exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with degradation efficiency of 97.4% of RhB and 94.5% of AO7, respectively. In addition, Bi2WO6 coating on the cotton fabrics modified with PDDA not only improved washing durability but also enhanced breaking strength of the fabric.